The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has objected to the name “Garampani” given to “Saphai” village in West Jaiñtia Hills district.
Members of the group lead by Jaiñtia Hills HITO president Lawyerson War erased a road sign with the name “Garampani” on it and replaced it with “Saphai” using spray paint.
War said this was done after HITO procured a government notification dated 14th March, 2017, which mentioned about the change of Garampani to Saphai village.
“We are a minority community and it is our responsibility to ensure that our language is preserved and the government must ensure Khasi should be included in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution,” he said, adding, “We are already under threat if Hindi is being made compulsory in the region.”
